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Accountability

The NARM Accountability Program provides accountability to birthing families who choose CPMs as their care providers and to states which utilize the CPM for legal recognition. Professional conduct is expected of all CPMs and CPM applicants (student midwives). When concerns arise regarding the conduct of a CPM or CPM applicant, NARM accountability policies and procedures are in place to address these concerns. The NARM accountability process ensures ongoing quality assurance in midwifery practice, safeguards the safety of birthing families, and promotes the integrity of the CPM credential.

Quality Assurance (QA) is a systematic process for preventing quality failures and ensuring that professional midwifery standards are met. Quality Assurance involves continuous monitoring, assessment and improvement of care delivery in order to prevent adverse events and optimize outcomes. Quality Assurance promotes evidence-based practice.

Community Peer Review and the NARM Accountability Program represent QA processes for upholding the highest quality of care for birthing families and the integrity of the CPM credential serving as foundations for quality improvement in midwifery practice.

A CPM or CPM applicant who has been named in a written complaint to NARM is required to participate in the Accountability Case Review by submitting all records and participating in an interview process. Failure or refusal to participate in the Accountability Case Review will result in revocation of the CPM credential or denial of the CPM application.

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How to File a Complaint With NARM About a CPM or CPM Applicant

The NARM Accountability Program will address complaints regarding the conduct of a CPM or CPM applicant that pose a potential threat to the health and safety of women and birthing families and their fetus or neonate.

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How to File a Complaint With NARM About a Preceptor/Student Relationship

NARM does not directly supervise the preceptor/student relationship. Complaints received regarding the PEP Preceptor/Student relationship will be addressed by the Accountability Program Policy and Procedure. Complaints involving a preceptor/student relationship within a MEAC accredited program must be filed with the educational institution.

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HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules are intended to enforce standards of ethics and confidentiality. NARM recommends that all CPMs address HIPAA compliance in their professional practice and determine their status as a “covered entity” under HIPAA. More information on whether you are a “covered entity” required to comply with HIPAA can be found here.

NARM requires that ALL CPMs, even those not designated as “covered entities,” address the following standards for disclosure of personal health information (PHI) in their professional documents of informed disclosure/informed consent.

CPMs must obtain written permission from their clients to permit student access to medical records for the purpose of education or verification of documentation for their NARM application. CPMs must obtain written permission from their clients to use any PHI, photos, videos or stories for social media or advertising purposes. CPMs must disclose to their clients that they participate in regular peer review, which may necessitate confidential disclosure of health information for quality assurance and quality improvement purposes.